The Cause is in the Details: Inspecting Damage to Chimneys

Brick masonry chimneys have been prevalent for centuries, but it wasnt until recent decades that brick-clad, wood-framed chimneys became common in residential construction. This trend resulted from the increasing popularity of metal insert fireplaces. While they may appear similar from the exterior, the structure and weather-resistant envelope of wood-framed chimneys are very different than masonry-built chimneys. Prior to studying damage, it is important to understand critical elements in the structural support and weather-resistant envelope of wood-framed chimneys and the types of damage that can result from improper construction.[1]

Properly constructed details of a wood-framed chimney are necessary to prevent water intrusion (Figure 1). Water intrusion at the top of the chimney is typically prevented by a metal crown that laps down and over the vertical face of the adjacent brick veneer. A water-resistant barrier should be installed under the chimney cap and extend down the exterior sheathing of the chimney walls. The 2012 International Residential Code for One- and Two- Family Dwellings (Code) specifies that step flashing and counterflashing shall be installed to prevent water intrusion at the interface of the chimney and roof. Through-flashing and weep openings should be above the step flashing and counter flashing at the interface of the brick veneer and the roof.

To effectively divert water away from the chimney walls, the Code requires that chimneys wider than 30 inches have "cricket" roof slopes constructed between the upslope side of the chimney and adjacent roof above. Persistent water intrusion can cause deterioration of the wood framing and connections that could result in structural failure (Photograph 1).

The Code also provides structural specifications for the support of masonry on wood framing. A steel angle is required between the bottom of the brick veneer and the roof sheathing. Masonry veneer ties function to connect the brick veneer to the wood-framed walls. The required material, size, spacing, and fastening of the masonry veneer ties are specified by the Code. The wood framing and connections of the structure must have adequate strength to transfer the weight of the chimney and brick veneer to the structures foundation. Framing members with inadequate stiffness or structural capacity, and/or deterioration of the framing or connections due to persistent water intrusion can cause cracks in the brick veneer, leaning, or even collapse of the chimney (Photographs 2 through 4).

In some cases, brick on one side of the chimney is supported directly by the foundation, while brick on the other chimney walls is supported by wood beams or trusses that span some distance between supports (Photographs 4 and 5). If not properly designed and constructed, the weight of the brick chimney can cause the spanning members to sag, while the exterior wall and veneer remain unmoved. This difference in movement of the supporting members can result in leaning of the chimney and cracks in the brick veneer. Wood framing, particularly undersized members, progressively sag over time when supporting a constant load such as the brick veneer of a chimney. This phenomenon, referred to as "wood creep", can cause the leaning of a chimney to develop slowly over a period of years. The Code specifies that the wood framing supporting masonry veneer shall be designed to limit the deflection to 1/600 of the span for the supporting members considering the weight of the veneer and all other loads. The Code further specifies that when masonry veneer supported by wood framing adjoins masonry veneer supported by the foundation, there shall be a movement joint between these two portions of veneer. The movement joint is intended to allow some deflection of the wood framing without producing cracks in the brick veneer.

As shown in the photographs above, cracking of masonry veneer, water intrusion, and leaning or collapsed chimneys can result from improper construction of brick veneer on wood-framed chimneys. Studying the details of the water-resistant envelope and structural support of the brick veneer is critical to accurately determining the cause of such damages.

[1] This article provides summaries of specifications in the 2012 International Residential Code for One- and Two- Family Dwellings. Proper detailing should comply all applicable code requirements and is not limited to the summary descriptions presented in this article.

DONAN, a family owned company founded in 1947, provides full-service Forensic Engineering and Fire Investigation Services. For over 60 years, Donan Engineering has been providing unbiased answers to their client's complicated questions. Their team of licensed and experienced forensic experts provides investigative services in the fields of engineering investigations, fire and explosion origin & cause, roofing investigations, and component testing. The diversity of their multidisciplinary staff allows them to provide not only a complete service, but a complete service whose conclusions can be successfully and completely supported.